Addis Ababa, June 20, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Goffe called on government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to join hands in making the ECOTRADE project a model for excellence in supporting his country’s integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Launched today in Addis Ababa, the ECOTRADE project is a four-year initiative funded and implemented by the European Union, with technical support from Expertise France. The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) is tasked with executing the project on the ground.
Minister Kassahun highlighted that the project is fully aligned with Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that the timely launch of ECOTRADE validates Ethiopia’s determination to ensure the smooth integration of AfCFTA.
He also highlighted the establishment of the AfCFTA National Implementation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing seamless regional trade integration.
Calling on all partners to collaborate closely, Minister Kassahun said, “Let us harness the full potential of AfCFTA and invest in the people of the entire region.”
The Minister stressed that the project will engage the private sector actively, improve regulatory frameworks, and build institutional capacity — all crucial for enhancing Ethiopia’s trade competitiveness. ECOTRADE will also support targeted value chain development in key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing to help build a resilient and diversified economy.
European Union Ambassador to Ethiopia Soffie From-Emmesberger praised the project as a timely and strategic investment. She noted that ECOTRADE supports entrepreneurs, women traders, customs officials, researchers, and students — all vital actors in Ethiopia’s economic transformation and AfCFTA integration.
Ambassador Soffie emphasized that the project will foster collaboration between MoTRI, the Ethiopian Customs Commission, chambers of commerce, exporters, and the private sector to strengthen capacities, harmonize trade policies, and promote inclusive and sustainable trade.
By empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, especially those led by women, ECOTRADE aims to prepare Ethiopian businesses to compete and thrive in regional and continental markets.